The man and woman who died in a house fire in Waterford City have been identified locally as Philip English and his partner Kim. Two of their children also died in the blaze, and two more children are in hospital with critical injuries. Gardaí have launched a murder investigation.
Fatal fire in Birchwood estate
Emergency services were called to the property in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am on Tuesday. The deaths of the man, woman and two children were confirmed on Tuesday morning. Two other children were removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.
Sources have told the Irish Mirror that foul play is suspected and that gardaí are probing a recent attempted arson attack on the family home. The family, reportedly targeted over a debt, are described as well-liked and popular within the community.
Community reaction
Local Councillor Jason Murphy, who lives near the scene, spoke of the devastation felt by the community. “I'm just numb, like everyone else around here,” the Fianna Fáil councillor told the Press Association. “I think there's an eerie quiet around here. This estate would usually be a busy estate. You'd probably see kids up here playing on the green here, but there's nothing happening here this morning – only people looking into space trying to, I suppose, make sense of what happened here late last night and early this morning.”
Mr Murphy said residents who witnessed the blaze would need professional help and counselling. “The sounds and what they heard this morning and what they seen, it'll take a lot of recovering, and they'll need a lot of support,” he said. “It's coming now from the community, and that'll be ongoing. But they'll need professional support as well. And I was glad to see that the Taoiseach came out this morning, Micheál Martin said the community will get whatever supports it needs.”
Official statements and investigation
Mayor of Waterford Liam Brazil and the mayor of Waterford Metropolitan District Lola O'Sullivan released a joint statement expressing devastation at the loss of lives. “We are devastated and heartbroken by the tragedy that unfolded in Birch Avenue this morning,” they said. “Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically in the fatal house fire. No one is untouched by this event, and we would appeal to neighbours, friends and the wider community to be there for each other during this harrowing time.”
They added: “Our thoughts are also with the emergency services and first responders who attended the deeply disturbing scene. We would encourage anyone who has been affected to visit the Community Support Hub in St John's Park. Professional services, refreshments, and facilities are available to all. We appeal to the public to give An Garda Síochána the time and space needed to fully investigate this incident.”
A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning, Tuesday, 13th October 2026. Gardaí and emergency services remain at the scene. An Garda Síochána can confirm two adults (one male and one female) and two children are deceased.”
“Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries. An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Family liaison officers have also been appointed.”
Gardaí are appealing for information from anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City in the early hours of Tuesday, 13th October, to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. As the incident is ongoing, no further detail is available at present.
